Does massage help relieve stress? – Touch restores and calms the body and mind

Tense shoulders, restlessness, and difficulty breathing deeply are signs that your nervous system is overworked. When there is no room for recovery, stress begins to affect you both physically and mentally.

– When we get sick with the flu, for example, our body clearly tells us: now is the time to rest. It sends similar signals about stress, often in subtle ways that should not be ignored. Massage offers a concrete way to calm the body. Its effects are not limited to the muscles; it also balances the nervous system and calms the mind. It is a great way to stop, listen to your body, and take a moment for yourself amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Ylönen describes.

The nervous system controls the body's state of alertness

The autonomic nervous system regulates whether we are in a state of readiness or recovery. The sympathetic nervous system is activated during stress: the heart beats faster, breathing quickens, and the body prepares to perform. This is useful in the short term, but if it continues, it can lead to overload.

– Massage supports the transition to a state of calm. When the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, breathing slows down, the heart rate decreases, and the body begins to recover. It is not just about relaxation, but a physiological state in which the body repairs itself, says Ylönen.

Massage helps you calm down – stress relief begins with the body

The effects of massage are not limited to the muscles. Touch itself conveys a sense of security and presence. It releases pleasure hormones such as oxytocin and dopamine, which promote calmness and well-being. At the same time, levels of stress hormones such as cortisol decrease. Given the effects of massage, it is worth considering whether it could be used as part of the treatment of exhaustion, for example.

– Many people experience relief from anxiety or tension after just one massage. Regular massage can therefore support the balance of the nervous system and help the body maintain its ability to recover. However, the treatment plan should always be designed in consultation with a professional who treats exhaustion, says Ylönen about the possible role of massage in the treatment of exhaustion.

Individualized treatment supports recovery

Stress manifests itself differently in different people. In some, it tightens the jaw muscles, while in others, it causes back stiffness. That is why it is important for the massage therapist to listen to the client's situation and know how to choose the appropriate techniques. A trained massage therapist understands the connection between the body and the nervous system and, if necessary, can refer the client to further treatment if their symptoms require more extensive care.

Massage is not only a form of treatment, but also an encounter. It is a moment when you can stop and be heard.

– Every encounter with a client is new in a way, even if the client is already familiar. Life situations vary, and different situations create different needs. When the mind is well, the body is well, and vice versa. A familiar massage therapist is always there during life's transitions, says Ylönen, describing the importance of customer work.